75 Short-Term Goals That'll Jumpstart Your Progress—Be It Fitness, Self-Care or Another Area of Life

75 short-term goal examples to help you make positive changes in your life.

When it comes to changing your life for the better, setting short-term goals that are realistic, attainable, and rewarding can help you stay committed to making positive change. All areas of your life—from your relationships to your finances—can benefit when you think about the things you would like to achieve in the near future.

In this list of 75 short-term goals, you’ll find some examples that will help you take steps toward improving your health, career, relationships, and more.

Short-Term Goals: Self-Care

1. Make a 1-year plan.

One of the most important goals you can have … is to have goals! Sit down with yourself and think about all the things you’d like to accomplish in the next year. Organize your thoughts. Write everything down.

2. Declutter your space.

It’s easier to keep your thoughts organized when you don’t have to deal with unnecessary clutter in your home. Take an afternoon to clean things up and make sure you have room to think and breathe.

3. Develop your home ambiance.

A homey, serene environment is key to stress relief at the end of a long day. Your home should be your sanctuary, and if it’s not right now, start small. Consider investing in a nice, scented candle or a fuzzy blanket. Whatever you choose, make sure it feels right to you.

4. Create a capsule wardrobe.

Being overwhelmed by what to wear in the morning will do little for your peace of mind. Creating a capsule wardrobe where all the elements of your closet pair well together can help you decrease clutter and make swift decisions about what to wear on those mornings when you’re short on time.

5. Choose a skincare routine (and stick to it.)

Taking care of your skin is one of the most talked-about forms of self-care, and it really does make a difference. Invest in a routine that works well for your skin type, timeframe, and budget—and then stick to your guns! Skincare is all about consistency.

6. Discover a new book series, TV show, or podcast that inspires you.

The media we consume adds so much to our daily lives. Whatever your preferred method of entertainment, find something new that inspires you. If you’re lucky, it may become a new favorite that sticks with you for a lifetime.

7. Invest in timeless, quality jewelry and accessories.

Nothing is worse than continuously buying purses, watches, jewelry, or other accessories that just don’t hold up as time goes on. Do some research and track down some quality brands within your budget that create accessories to last. These items can help define your personal aesthetic and make getting ready in the morning easier—and it’ll save you money in the long run.

8. Learn how to make the perfect cup of tea or coffee at home.

As much as we all love our daily Starbucks run, it can be handy to learn how to make a perfect cup of tea or coffee for ourselves. Not only is it easier on the wallet, but it also feels nice to be able to share with others exactly how you take it.

9. Develop a morning and nighttime routine.

Starting and ending the day on a high note will help you stay calm and centered during busy periods. Set a wake-up time, plan out simple breakfasts, and enjoy that perfect cup of coffee or tea you learned to make in #8. In the evenings, know what helps you wind down and get to bed on time. It makes a big difference!

10. Discover new music.

If your Spotify playlist has gotten a little dry, take a few minutes to discover some new songs. You deserve to be obsessed with the soundtrack to your life.

11. Pick up a new hobby.

Picking up a new hobby can be fun, relaxing, and empowering. Even if you aren’t naturally talented at whatever you decide to try, give yourself permission to let loose and have fun. After all, practice makes perfect.

12. Make a list of books you’d like to read.

If you don’t already have an expansive to-be-read list, consider making one! If you’re not a bookworm, perhaps you prefer a to-be-watched list instead. Whatever you choose, having a list of media you want to consume can help give you something to look forward to.

13. Make a bucket list.

Your dreams are important, no matter how out of reach they feel right now. Sit down and write out your bucket list. What are all the things you want to accomplish in this lifetime? Even if they feel unrealistic, write them down! That’s the first step toward making them real.

14. Invest in original art for your home.

Surround yourself with beautiful things by picking out some original artwork for your home. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does need to speak to you! Consider looking online for some artists whose small businesses you can support or hop on over to a local antique mall or thrift store for something that catches your eye.

15. Study a new language.

Whether you feel like investing in an in-person language course or downloading an app like Duolingo, learning a new language can be a rewarding experience. Even better, it can open doors for you to meet—and converse with—new people.

16. Journal.

Even if you don’t have time to journal every day, taking a few moments every once in a while to write about what’s been going on in your life and reflect on your feelings about your experiences can be valuable. It’s also a great tool for stress relief.

17. Choose a bad habit to break.

We all have our fair share of bad habits, even if it’s something as simple as biting your nails. Identify one you’d like to say goodbye to forever and add it to your to-do list to try to break it.

18. Create daily affirmations.

Affirmations are powerful tools for change in your life and can contribute to the way you view yourself and the world around you. These positive statements, such as “I am surrounded by people who love me,” are intended to be repeated out loud or in your head whenever you need a little pick me up throughout the day.

19. Practice gratitude daily.

When things are tough, identifying things we feel grateful for can be a challenge, but practicing daily gratitude can work wonders for the way you perceive your life. If you like to write things down, consider starting a gratitude journal. If not, a few moments before bed each night to reflect on the positive parts of your day is a good place to start.

20. Create a reading goal.

Tired of spending so much time in front of the TV? Set a reading goal for yourself. Whether you think you’ll get through 5 or 50 books this year, having a goal for yourself can help pull you away from screen time and into some fantastic new stories.

21. Commit to saying “yes” to something that’s outside of your comfort zone.

Living life in your comfort zone might be, well, comfortable, but it won’t yield nearly as many rewards as challenging yourself to try and experience new things. Even if you discover you don’t like something you’ve tried, you’ve learned something about yourself.

22. Schedule no-screen time.

If you have trouble keeping your screen time down, schedule a time to engage in other activities. Maybe you’ll go on a long walk, start an art project, or meet a friend for a no-phones coffee date. Whatever you choose, you can return to your online life feeling refreshed and grounded.

23. Take yourself on dates.

If you feel like you deserve to be treated every now and then, you should plan an occasion to be your own date. There’s something empowering and delightful about taking yourself out for brunch or going to a movie by yourself for a little me time.

24. Make a list of things you love about your life.

For those days when you’re just feeling a little down, make a list of things you LOVE about your life. Even if the list isn’t long right now, it will help you feel grateful and uplifted whenever you need a little pick me up. And, before you know it, you might have more things to add!

Short-Term Goals: Community-Focused

25. Touch base with close friends and family.

If you lead a busy life—or just don’t like checking your phone—make an effort to touch base with your close friends and other loved ones at least once a week. (Or once a month, whatever timeline is best for you.) Even if all you do is send a short text message, you will strengthen your relationships and brighten their day.

26. Reconnect with old friends you miss.

For those relationships that have fallen to the wayside, consider reaching out to schedule a coffee date. Even an hour on a weekend morning will help you reconnect with people who are important to you and get some of that much-needed socialization.

27. Forge new friendships.

If you’re looking for some new friends and acquaintances, set a goal to reach out to someone you’d like to be friends with and set up breakfast. You never know until you try!

28. Enroll your pet in training classes.

As beloved family members in their own right, our pets often offer some of the most important relationships in our lives. But if your furry friends are a little unruly, enrolling them in a training class might help make your home life a little more harmonious.

29. Join a club.

If you’re looking to meet new people, joining a local club or organization is a great place to start. Bonus points if the club allows you to get into a new hobby or spend time outside.

30. Find a pen pal.

For those of us who are a little shy about face-to-face interaction, finding a pen pal is a great solution to your woes. Not only is writing handwritten letters a fun throwback to pre-cell phone times, but it’s a fairly quick activity that’s only as time-consuming as you make it.

31. Volunteer your time.

Have a few extra weekend hours that you’d like to put to good use? Volunteering your time can help you feel rooted in your community and make a difference! Libraries, animal shelters, and senior living facilities are great places to inquire about opportunities.

32. Visit your local museums.

If you haven’t yet visited any museums in your area, see what you can find with a quick Google search. Visiting museums is a great daytime outing, and if you have to drive a little way to find one, it can make the perfect road trip with a friend.

33. See a local play or production.

If you enjoy watching live performances, go see a show! Whether you opt for a musical, the ballet, or some live music at a local pub, you’re sure to feel inspired and have a great time while you’re at it.

34. Explore your neighborhood.

Take an afternoon to explore many areas in your neighborhood that you haven’t visited before. If you know the area like the back of your hand, go a little further outside your usual bubble. There’s sure to be something to discover out there.

35. Visit a new place.

Patronize a shop or restaurant in your area that you haven’t visited before. Whether the business is new or just new to you, you might discover a new favorite.

36. Invest in sustainable lifestyle choices.

As you care for yourself, maybe consider caring for the planet, too! Research some ways that you can cut back on your environmental impact—from shopping sustainably to eating local whenever possible—and feel good about your relationship with the earth.

Short-Term Goals: Health and Wellness

37. Drink more water.

Staying hydrated is beneficial for every part of your body. Try to drink the recommended 11–13 cups of water a day.

38. Eat five fruits and veggies a day.

Eating five servings of fruits and veggies a day has been shown to improve overall health and reduce the risk of illness. Pick some of your favorites and experiment with recipes you like best.

39. Move intentionally every day.

From a simple morning walk and some gentle stretching, all the way to a daily workout or run, any kind of physical activity is better than none. Try to move intentionally every day, even if it’s just a leisurely stroll for a few minutes. Your body will thank you.

40. Start a meal prep habit.

If you find it difficult to eat healthily with the chaos of everyday life, you should try out meal prepping. On a day of your choosing each week, prepare some meals for throughout the week that you can grab easily as you run off to work in the morning.

Related: Hey, Parents! We've Got Multiple Weeks of Family Meal Plans To Make Weeknights Easier

41. Find new walking and hiking trails in your area.

Spending time surrounded by nature and moving your body is great for your physical and mental wellbeing. If you’re bored of the places you usually walk, try looking for some new walking or hiking trails around you.

42. Sign up for an exercise class.

Sometimes a little guidance is all we need when it comes to our daily movement goals. Signing up for an exercise class can help inspire you to get moving—and build community while you do it!

43. Check in with your healthcare providers.

If it’s been a while since you’ve been in to see your doctor, dentist, or other healthcare providers, now is a great time to schedule an appointment.

44. Wake up earlier.

Waking up earlier will you give an opportunity to relax in the mornings, make a morning beverage, and prepare mentally for your day.

45. Begin a meditation practice.

In times of stress, having a meditation practice to fall back on can help reduce the impacts of your worries on your body and mind. Even five minutes of meditation a day is a valuable goal to set.

46. Evaluate your personal boundaries.

Having personal boundaries that help inform you and those around you about how you like to be treated is a great step for everyone. Especially for folks who have difficulty feeling safe and comfortable in relationships, healthy boundaries can make a huge difference.

47. Seek mental health support.

Sometimes, the things in our lives that are weighing on our mental health are too heavy for us to bear alone. If that’s the case for you, consider reaching out to a trusted loved one or seeking professional mental health support if you’re able.

48. Stretch each morning.

Start the morning out with a few minutes of stretching to ensure your muscles are ready for the day to come—and to shake off what’s left of your sleep!

49. Try a new recipe.

Bored of the same old meals every day? Buy a cookbook or look up some new recipes online and endeavor to try a new one each week.

50. Learn to make your favorite cocktail (or mocktail) at home.

If you’re a fan of going out for drinks, try your hand at making your favorites at home! You might save some money and will be able to experiment with customizing your drink to your exact preferences.

51. Have an at-home spa night.

Try a bubble bath, face mask, and a glass of your favorite beverage as a way to unwind and give yourself a little TLC once a month.

52. Indulge a guilty pleasure—guilt-free!

Who decided to call them guilty pleasures anyway? You deserve to enjoy the things you like. Whether it’s bingeing the newest season of your favorite show or enjoying a few too many iced coffees, you deserve to treat yourself every once in a while and feel great about it.

53. Start a garden.

Spending time around green-growing things is a fantastic stress reliever and is a great way to get some Vitamin D in the summer months. From window box gardens to backyard spreads, there are ideas aplenty for experienced gardeners and novices alike.

54. Try new foods.

Challenge yourself to try some new, exciting cuisine this week. Whether you try making it at home or go seek out some professionally prepared treats, trying new foods is a great way to push outside of your comfort zone and do something exciting. You might even find something you really like!

Short-Term Goals: Career and Educational

55. Update your resume.

If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your resume, give it a look soon. Add recent experience, update your contact information, and check everything over to make sure it’s still accurate and represents your experience.

56. Reorganize your desk at work or in your home office.

Whether you work at home or in an office, reorganizing your workspace can help make your day-to-day tasks flow smoothly.

57. Negotiate a raise at work—or begin to apply for new jobs.

If you’ve been in your current role for a while, it might be time to start thinking about negotiating a raise. Or perhaps you’re looking for a change altogether and would like to begin applying for new jobs. Whatever the case, now is a great time to take the first steps toward what’s next.

58. Build relationships with coworkers, professors or classmates.

Wherever you’re at in your career, your relationships with the people around you are important. Reach out to someone you’d like to get to know better—and potentially network with—and schedule a time to meet.

59. Consume educational content.

Learning something new can transform the way we see the world around us and keep us sharp mentally. Each month, endeavor to watch one documentary or listen to one educational podcast.

Short-Term Goals: Financial

60. Make a monthly budget.

If you don’t already have a budget you follow, start one now. Think about the things that are important to you financially, and ensure your budget prioritizes your wants and needs.

61. Start a savings account (or add to an existing one).

If you have a little money to spare, put it in savings account for a rainy day. Whether you plan to spend it on those much-needed car repairs or your dream vacation is up to you! Getting the account going is the first step.

62. Meet with a financial advisor.

If you’re able to, meeting with a financial advisor can set you up for success long into the future. These individuals can help you manage your existing wealth and prioritize your goals for what’s to come.

63. Set up an IRA.

It’s never too early to set up a retirement account. If you don’t already have one, there’s no time like the present. Your future self is sure to thank you.

64. Invest in stocks.

If you’ve been wanting to dip your toes in the stock market, add this to your list of short-term goals. There is plenty to learn about investing, and this could be a research rabbit hole that will keep you occupied far into the future.

65. Eat at restaurants less often.

Looking to save a bit of money? Try eating in restaurants less often as a way to encourage yourself to save for other things. Changes are good this is healthier for you, too. But don’t forget, treating yourself to the occasional outing is important! It’s all about balance.

Short-Term Goals: Organizational

66. Start a planner.

If you have trouble staying on top of your tasks or schedule, a new planner is a must-have item. Find one that fits your specifications and get started. A well-organized planner can change your life!

67. Back up important documents to an external hard drive.

Sitting on loads of old documents or photos? Back the important ones up to an external hard drive so you won’t lose them if your computer fails. Especially for important financial documents or priceless family memories, an external hard drive can be a vital piece of equipment.

68. Clean out your junk drawers or closet.

We all have that one drawer or closet that becomes a receptacle for all the stuff that doesn’t have a place of its own. Choose a free afternoon to dig through all the junk and get rid of what you don’t need anymore.

69. Donate unwanted clothing and reorganize.

It can be easy to toss clothing, shoes, and accessories in the back of your closet and forget about them, but it feels great to clean out and reorganize your wardrobe. Afterward, you can take what you no longer want and donate it somewhere where it will be useful!

70. Take your car to get serviced.

If it’s been a while, consider taking your car to the mechanic for a tune-up or oil change. Your car deserves a little TLC as much as you do!

71. Clean out your car.

Take your car through a car wash—or opt for a self-service version—to clear a bit of clutter out of your daily life. Driving around in a clean car feels great and will set the tone for your day on your morning commute.

72. Learn a home-improvement skill.

Learning a new home-improvement skill can help you take care of your space better and save a few bucks when you don’t need to hire someone! Keep in mind that there are some tasks that are better left to the professionals, but why not tackle the manageable things yourself?

73. Make a chore schedule.

If you struggle to stay on top of your chores, write out a schedule that will ensure you never miss laundry day again. Creating a chore schedule can help you know how often certain tasks need to be done—and prevent you from worrying about whether or not you’re forgetting something.

74. Do a social media cleanse.

Social media is just as prone to clutter as your real life. Clear out unwanted friends and followers and delete any content that you feel is no longer representative of who you are. It’s always nice to have a clean slate.

75. Update your social media profiles.

Speaking of social media: If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your bios, profile photos, or other online content, now is a great time to go through and make sure everything is up to date. Don’t forget about your LinkedIn or other professional accounts!

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